Operate a Farm to School production garden

The Willits Unified School District, in partnership with North Coast Opportunities—Community Action, is excited to release the attached Request for Proposals and we ask for your support in getting the word out to your networks. We are looking for an experienced farmer, business, and/or non-profit to operate Brookside Farm, a 1-acre Farm to School production garden at Brookside Elementary School in Willits, California. The successful candidate will enter into a 3-year License Agreement with the school district to grow food for the school and community while allowing access to the farm for educational activities.

Brookside Farm is a turn-key operation with significant existing infrastructure, including a 20’x65’ hoop house, a brand new vegetable washing station, a rainwater catchment system, solar power, tools and some equipment. An annual rent of $450 will be required in addition to a commitment to utilize at least 15% of the bed space for growing crops for the schools. Municipal water will be provided by Willits Unified. All other production expenses will be the responsibility of the farmer and all profits from farming activities will be retained by the farmer. The full License Agreement is available for review upon request.

This is a unique opportunity for the right person/organization/business. We are looking for someone with production experience and people skills, as interfacing with the school and community will be required. A passion for healthy local food, a commitment to community-based agriculture, excellent communication skills, an entrepreneurial spirit and a love of children are prerequisites for this endeavor!

Proposals must be submitted by 4pm on Friday, August 30th. Interested parties should contact Susan Lightfoot, Farm2Fork Coordinator at North Coast Opportunities—Community Action, at (707)467-3238 or slightfoot@ncoinc.org for more information. Please do not contact the Willits Unified School District directly without prior communication with Susan.